Friendly Report: Galway United 1 - 0 Finn Harps

This pre-season friendly was the first opportunity for both managers to see how the squads they have formulated are shaping up.

Goal scoring chances were few and far between with honest endeavour being the order of the day. There were errors a plenty but that is only to be expected with the long layoff.

While the possession was even early on Harps did have two chances in the 21st  and 24th minutes – firstly a shot from Adam Foley was well saved by Conor Kearns  and then Jamie Brown headed over with Kearns a little slow off his marks.

Galway finished the half stronger without any clear cut chance, but we did see some glimpses of Padraic Cunningham’s ability as he returned from a stint with the Galway senior Gaelic Football squad. 

Galway essential filed a different team in the second half with eight changes - details below on start 11’s in either half

The home side were a lot more aggressive and lively in the second period with the introduction of Shane Duggan a real factor. For Harps Will Seymour looked tuned in and got in a lot of work.

The deciding goal was grabbed by Francely Loboto on 84 minutes when he latched on to Lee McLaughlin’s back pass and calmly slotted home. Lomboto is a prospect with blinding speed and show real composure in his finish.

Galway United (First Half)

Conor Kearns, Chris Horgan, Carlton Ubaezuonu, Maurice Nugent, Stephen Walsh, Gary Boylan, Stephen Christopher, Mikie Rowe, Colin Kelly, Ruairi Keating, Padraic Cunningham

Galway United (second Half)

Kevin Horgan, Chris Horgan, Maurice Nugent, Mikie Rowe, Shane Duggan, Conor McCormack, David Hurley, Killian Brouder, Mikey Place, Wilson Waweru, Francely Lomboto

Subs, Liam Corcoran, Ben Molloy, Ethan Connolly (introduced after 80 minutes)

Finn Harps (first half)

Mark McGinley, Jamie Browne, David Webster, Kosovar Sadiki, Shane McElaney, Tony McNamee,  Ryan Connolly, Stephen Doherty, Mark Russell, Adam Foley, Karl O’Sullivan

Finn Harps (second Half)

Luke McNicholas, Jamie Browne, Ethan Boyle, Kosovar Sadiki, David Webster, Ryan Rainey, Will Seymore, Mark Timlin, Christy McLaughlin, Ryan Shanley, Sean Boyd 

Harps replaced  Boyd, Browne, Webster, Sadiki & Timlin midway through half with McNamee, Shane Doherty, Lee Mclaughlin, Bradley Walsh & Gallagher